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In honor of February’s Gum Disease Awareness Month—a global initiative dedicated to preventing gum disease—Canyon Creek Dental is committed to raising awareness about this common yet serious condition. Left untreated, gum disease can significantly harm your smile, but the good news is that you can take proactive steps to safeguard your oral health and stop it from advancing.
What are the Causes?
Gum disease primarily stems from bacteria found in dental plaque—the sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth. Without regular brushing and flossing, this bacterial film can attack both tooth enamel and gum tissue. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed through professional dental cleaning. If left untreated, continuous bacterial attacks can lead to gum disease.
Influencing Factors
While poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease, several other factors can increase your risk, including:
- Stress
- High-sugar diets
- Chronic tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean
- Hormonal changes
- Conditions like cancer and diabetes
- Mouth breathing, which dries out oral tissues
Recognize the Symptoms
Gum disease often progresses silently, without immediate pain. However, there are key symptoms to watch for:
- Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose teeth or shifting bite patterns
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Pain while chewing
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to visit Canyon Creek Dental for an oral health evaluation and, if needed, begin treatment.
3 Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease, marked by inflammation, swelling, and bleeding gums. At this stage, the disease is still reversible since the bone and connective tissue are not yet affected.
Periodontitis
When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it causes irreversible damage to the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. Deep gum pockets may form, allowing plaque to build up below the gum line, often requiring treatments such as scaling and root planing.
Advanced Periodontitis
In its most severe form, gum disease results in advanced periodontitis. The bone and tissues supporting your teeth are severely damaged, leading to loose or shifting teeth. This can affect your bite, speech, and ability to chew. Tooth extraction may be necessary if the condition is left untreated.
How to Prevent Gum Disease: Be Proactive!
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy gums:
- Follow a diligent daily oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
- Visit Canyon Creek Dental for biannual dental checkups and professional cleanings.
- Drink water after meals to rinse away food particles and bacteria.
- Limit sugary foods, and when indulging, chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and wash away bacteria.
- Quit tobacco use to protect your gum health.
By promoting awareness during Gum Disease Awareness Month, Canyon Creek Dental aims to inspire you to take a proactive approach to your oral health. Remember, healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful, vibrant smile!
